The expenses that come with the city’s involvement in a federal blight clean-up program are beginning to spark questions among city leaders.
The city of Yazoo City has been involved with the Brownfields Grant Program, which falls under the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. The participation with the grant program began several years ago under the previous city administration.
During this week’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, one city leader requested some answers to the financial breakdown associated with some of the invoices on the city’s claim dockets that come through the Brownfields grant program.
Alderwoman Elizabeth Thomas questioned a $1,823 invoice from PM Environmental Inc., which is part of the Brownfields program towards clean-up of the former African-American Hospital on East Eighth Street. The historic site was partially damaged by a fire last year before the complete demolition could begin.
“We should soon be in the process of tearing it down, but I believe we have to wait on the historical society,” Thomas said.
But Thomas said she was curious as to what the $1,823 invoice referenced to in that process. Alma Jones, the city’s grant manager, said she would have to research to find the answer.
In reference to the hospital project, Jones said a structural analysis letter has been submitted to the state department of archives and history, based on the condition of the building once the fire occurred. A quality assurance program plan should follow, and upon approval, bids could then be solicited for the demolition.
Another invoice item on the city’s claim docket associated with the Brownfields grant program was from Design Build Solutions for $1,180. The properties listed with the line item included a parcel located at 124 West Fifth Street.
“I just went down there, and it is looking the same way it did last year when I inquired about it,” Thomas said. “Are we just paying them to pay them.”
“I personally assure you that you won’t have that problem,” replied Mayor David Starling. “We will be contacting them. If services are not rendered, they cannot be paid. We will not pay anymore until we see results.”
It was not explained during the open meeting what details surrounded the invoice on the claims docket as to whether it was actual demolition costs or not. The claims docket said “administrative fee for blight elimination.”
